Google Acquires BumpTop and its 3D Desktop Tech

May 03, 2010 11:24

The global search giant Google has now acquired BumpTop, an application that transforms your desktop into a 3D interface so your desktop looks like a real desktop with icon piles and photo pin ups. If you were planning to check it out, here's warning you that it will no longer be on sale starting 1st of June.

Here is BumpTop's letter to its users announcing its shutdown:

“First of all, we’d like to thank you for your past purchase of BumpTopPro. Our mission is to revolutionize the way people use computers, and your support has helped us continue working towards that goal.

Today, we have a big announcement to make: we’re going to be taking BumpTop in an exciting new direction, which means that BumpTop (for both Windows and Mac) will no longer be available for sale. Additionally, no updates to the products are planned.

What does this mean for BumpTop Pro users? Rest assured you will be able to continue running the latest version of BumpTop with Pro features indefinitely. However, downloads and support for BumpTop Pro will end on June 1, 2010, and we will not be issuing any further updates. We recommend you save a copy of the latest installer at http://bumptop.com/pro in case you wish to reinstall BumpTop in the future. For your reference, your invite code is ___

We want you be completely satisfied with the purchase you made. Our customers constantly tell us how much they love BumpTop and how it’s completely changed the way they use their desktop, and you will be able to run BumpTop Pro for as long as you want. If the end-of-life announcement still leaves you dissatisfied, however, contact us for a refund at http://refund.bumptop.com/refund, regardless of purchase date. All requests must be made by June 1, 2010.

Thanks again for your support of BumpTop and for helping make computing more natural and fun. Despite our change in strategy, we remain as passionate as ever about helping shape the future of computing!

The Bumps”

Here is a video of BumpTop's founder Anand Agarawala demonstrating his technology in 2007. Not much is known about what Google plans to do with BumpTop:

Volvo presents its Life Paint, a special paint that is a unique reflective kind. It will shine brightly in the glare of car headlights, making the invisible, visible. It's probably much better than just having some headlights on your bike. Check it out below: Read more

You don't know how to use your iPhone until you've learned these next-level pro tips. Check it out below. From taking better pictures and videos to asking Siri the names of emojis and finally, deleting that damn U2 album off your phone. Forever. Read more